The Zwift community is collaborating this week to hold an event in support of Parkinson’s Disease research while providing a home for those with Parkinson’s or anyone supporting a person with Parkinson’s.
Rob Warner of the Zwifters Against Parkinsons (ZWAP) team tells me, “Our ZWAP numbers are growing and the word is getting out to many people of the importance of exercise for those of us with Parkinson’s. There is growing evidence that high intensity exercise especially cycling is not only slowing progression but may even reverse neurodegeneration of the disease.”
Event Details
The ride is scheduled for 4pm UTC/12pm EDT/9am PDT on April 11th, which is World Parkinson’s Day. It will be held on one lap of Watopia’s “Big Flat 8” for a total ride length of 31.5km with 109m of elevation.
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4219852
The event description says:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Exercise and cycling is proven to be beneficial. The ZWAP cycling club (ZWifters Against Parkinson’s) host activities on Zwift every day open for both people affected by PD and their supporters. 11th of April is the World Parkinson’s Day. ZWAP invite you to a social ride to support those affected by the disease and help us raise awareness about it including the importance and possibilities of exercise in general and cycling in particular.
Questions or Comments?
Post below!
Great idea. One of my best friends was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 30. I am cycling LEJOG 900 miles over 8 days starting 20th April to raise funds for the Parkinson’s UK charity.
Hope to see you in the ride! If your friend with PD is on Zwift too please tips about us. Good luck with LEJOG. A couple of ZWAP members are about to cycle it later this year!
Thank you Eric and welcome to join the ride! 😉 ZWAP Cycling Club (www.zwap.world) is founded and driven by people with Parkinson’s. Zwift is a brilliant platform for us no matter how affected we are by the disease. We organise activities daily on Zwift for both people with PD and their supporters. Come join, be a part! 😉
I wish I could be there but it’ll be 2 AM here in Australia 🙁
Yes, sorry, the time for the ride is a compromise as most of our riders are in Europe and US. (So far…. 😀) Some of our group workouts will suit your timezone better. Hope to see you there!
I couldn’t make this ride but wanted to say ‘ride on!’ and love this and supporting those who maybe have a few more ‘hills‘ to surmount in their ‘ride‘ but are out ‘living life’ … we all get thrown curve balls in life I love the spirit of your ‘club’ and what you’re doing!!